Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vc With full elliptical wings fitted, photographed by Stuart H Bourne. Copyright Stuart H Bourne / Quality Aviation Photos International.
This archival aviation print features Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vc AR501 With full elliptical wings fitted, photographed by Stuart H Bourne
Built in 1942 by Westland Aircraft, AR501 flew with RAF No. 310 (Czech) Squadron, escorting USAAF bombers such as the Memphis Belle over occupied Europe. It wore the squadron code “AN-V”, honoring the Czech pilots who flew it during operations like the Dieppe Raid.
After the war, AR501 served as an instructional airframe before being acquired by the in 1961. It was returned to flight in 1968 for the filming of the Battle of Britain movie and later appeared in Pearl Harbor, wearing fictitious Eagle Squadron markings.
Following a meticulous restoration, AR501 flew again in 2018, now wearing its original wartime livery and clipped wings — just as it did during combat operations. It remains one of the most original airworthy Spitfires in existence.
Photograph © Stuart H Bourne /
